Bumps, bruises and beyond: Minor injuries treated at CareNow® urgent care

Sprained ankles, muscle strains, bumps and bruises are all common minor injuries that are part of everyday life. While many of these injuries can be treated at home, sometimes it's hard to know when to seek care. Understanding what counts as a minor injury, how you can treat it and when to visit urgent care can help you heal safely and quickly.

At CareNow® urgent care, we are here for you to provide high-quality healthcare seven days a week. We treat a wide range of minor injuries at our walk-in clinics to help you feel better fast.

Should you go to urgent care for a minor injury?

While safety should always come first, not every injury requires the same level of medical attention. Safety should always be your top priority, but understanding when to seek urgent care can save time and ensure proper treatment. Here's a quick guide to handling minor injuries.

Examples of minor injuries

A minor injury typically refers to damage that causes pain or discomfort but does not threaten life or long-term health. Some of the most common include:

• Sprains and strains
• Cuts and scrapes
• Bruises
• Minor burns
• Sports related injuries

In most cases, these injuries wouldn’t be considered emergencies. However, they can still cause discomfort and limit your daily activities. If your muscle or ligament injury is especially painful or you suspect any fractures, it’s wise to seek prompt evaluation.

How to treat minor injuries at home

Many minor injuries can be managed effectively with simple first aid. These at-home treatments ease discomfort and promote faster healing, often without the need for immediate professional care.

For sports or activity-related injuries like sprains or strains use the RICE method to help stabilize the injury and relieve discomfort.

• Rest and protect the injured area to prevent further damage.
• Ice the injury in 15 – 20 minute intervals to reduce swelling and pain.
• Compression with an elastic bandage to provide support.
• Elevation helps reduce swelling, especially for injuries to arms or legs.

For cuts and scrapes, gently clean the wound with mild soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Afterwards, cover with a clean bandage. You can also apply antibiotic ointment as an additional measure. Until the wound is healed, it is important to change the bandage daily, or whenever it becomes wet or dirty. For minor burns, rinse over the area with cool water and cover with gauze or a sterile non-stick pad. Avoid any butters, oils or other similar substances that could trap heat.

When to seek urgent care

While many minor injuries heal with at-home care, some situations require medical attention. Visit your nearest CareNow clinic if you experience:

• Severe pain or swelling that doesn’t improve with rest and ice
• Inability to move the affected area or bear weight
• A cut that is deep, won’t stop bleeding or may need stitches
• Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, pus or fever
• A suspected fracture or dislocation
• A head injury that causes dizziness, confusion or vomiting
• Burns on the face, hands or genital area or those larger than three inches
• Any time your injury concerns you

Our team of healthcare professionals can perform X-rays, stitch wounds, prescribe medications and offer other treatments to help you heal properly.

From sprained ankles to bumps and bruises, minor injuries are common — but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. Knowing when to treat at home and when to seek care is key to healing quickly and avoiding complications.

Simple precautions can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe. If you or a loved one experiences a minor injury and you’re not sure what to do next, visit your nearest CareNow location. Our providers are here to help you feel better fast.

Why choose CareNow® urgent care?

If you need convenient care after hours or on the weekend, consider visiting your local CareNow® urgent care clinic. With 225 locations throughout the country, we are ready to see you when you need it most. We offer comprehensive and accessible healthcare through our extensive clinic network, convenient Web Check-In® service, and Virtual Visits, making us a dependable option for your medical needs. Visit the CareNow locations webpage to find a clinic near you.